TEACHERS from seven post primary schools recently came together in the new Donegal Education Support Centre now based in Letterkenny, to share their experience and learning from a two year programme called ‘Teaching & Learning for the 21st Century” (TL21).
The workshops were based on a Continuing Professional Development programme for teachers and school leaders with accreditation awarded to all participants.
The programme is carried out in conjunction with Maynooth University and its aims are to strengthen teachers’ capacities as co-operative and self-critical authors of their own work; and to enable students to take an active and responsible part in their own learning.
Nicola Shields and Ciaran McElwaine from Mulroy College addressing the workshop.
At the final workshop last week, schools presented their TL21 project and shared their learning with other schools.
Errigal College, Letterkenny focused on the impact of the one hour class on teachers and students while Finn Valley College, Stranorlar demonstrated ‘TL21 – stages of our journey’ and how TL21 is part of their School Improvement Plan with students taking responsibility for their own learning.
Both Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana and PCC Falcarragh focused on ‘enhancing teaching and learning through retrieval practice’ and the positive impact it is having on their school community.
Laura Corbett from Scoil Mhuire, Buncrana was among the teachers to take part in the Teaching & Learning programme.
Teachers from Abbey VS in Donegal Town spoke about the new strategies that they now use to improve inclusive practice within the classroom.
St. Columba’s College, Stranorlar highlighted strategies for improving positive behaviour and identified the four focus areas as being organised, active listening, respect and exploring growth mindset.
Teachers from Mulroy College, Milford highlighted ‘Student motivation’ and how as part of their TL21 journey, they made the decision to redesign the student diary, now providing space for feedback and reflection on learning.
Professor Anthony Malone, Jacqui Dillon and Kieran McTaggart, Director of the Donegal Education Support Centre.
Kieran Mc Taggart, the Director of the Education Centre welcomed everyone to the new Education Centre and spoke of the great collaboration and engagement of all the schools over the past two years and thanked them for their commitment to this project.
He also thanked Jacqui Dillon, the course facilitator and Professor Anthony Malone from Maynooth University.
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